Detection of Underwater Targets in the Ocean Through Non-Acoustic Methods

Abstract

Detection, localization, tracking and classification of underwater targets in the ocean assume great significance and attract immense attention due to its growing importance in various spheres, especially for military applications. Several sonar systems have been established for this purpose over the years and practiced by researchers across the globe. Most of such systems use the methods of underwater acoustics as the customary standard. However, the advances in stealth technology and the complexity involved in ocean acoustics prevent the evolution of acoustic technologies and thus motivates the researchers to examine alternate techniques for the detection of underwater targets in the ocean. Different non-acoustic detection methods are suggested in the recent past to overcome the stealth and acoustic complexity related obstacles. However, the research in this area is scarce and many advances are expected to be originated. This paper investigates to use of some of the non-acoustic methods to detect the kind of non-acoustic signals namely hydrodynamic signatures such as wakes and internal waves by satellite image processing and advanced optical techniques.